USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > A modern history of New Haven and eastern New Haven County, Vol. II > Part 103
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John H. Blakeslee received a public school education but when sixteen years old began learning the printer's trade, which he followed for a time. He then had charge of the first rural route ont of North Haven and later became a clerk in the postoffice. Since 1904, however, he has been town clerk and is also justice of the peace. He gives the most careful atten- tion to the discharge of his duties in these connections and the greater part of his time is taken up with that work. He tries nearly all cases arising in the village and town and it is generally recognized that he is judicial in temperament and strictly impartial in his decisions. He is also filling the office of tax collector and in 1909 and 1910 he was a mem- ber of the state legislature.
Mr. Blakeslee was married in North Haven to Miss Etta A. Stiles, of this town, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Way) Stiles, the father a carpenter and builder by occupation. To this union have been born two children: Ruby A., the wife of M. E. Wood- ruff, of Berlin, Connecticut; and Waldo S., a traveling salesman representing the American Tobacco Company. He is married and has a son, John William.
Mr. Blakeslee is one of the leaders in republican circles in New Haven county and is a prime mover in all civic projects. He is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Cor- inthian Lodge, of which he has been master, Pulaski Chapter and Crawford Council, and he is deeply interested in the work of the order. He is also a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife takes quite an active part in the social, civic and religious affairs of the community and both are held in high esteem.
JOSEPH F. BERRY.
Joseph F. Berry, numbered with the leading members of the Connectient bar practicing at New Haven, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, February 13, 1880, and was the second in a family of five children whose parents were Charles F. and Emily C. (Morgan) Berry. The father was born in Maine and represents one of the early families of that state, of English lineage. He is an expert accountant and is still active in business. His wife is a native of Massachusetts and belongs to one of the old families of that state.
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Atter attending the public and high schools of Boston, Joseph F. Berry continued his education in Tufts College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1901. His professional training was received at Harvard, where he took the LL. B. degree in 1904. He then became associated with the law firm of. Choate, Hall & Stewart, of Boston, where he remained until October, 1907, when he came to New Haven, arriving in this city on the 1st of that month. He was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1904, the Connecticut bar in 1907 and the bar of the United States supreme court in 1910. He became assistant attorney for the New Haven Railroad Company, with which he continued until March, 1914, when the Connecticut Company withdrew from its association with the New Haven Railroad Company and Mr. Berry remained as attorney for the Connectient Company, of which he has since been one of the chief counselors. He is thoroughly informed concerning corporation law and his practice has been of a most important character.
On the 5th of December. 1908, in Boston, Mr. Berry was united in marriage to Miss Mildred Endicott Fowle, a native of Boston and a daughter of Horace S. and Mary (Wingate) Fowle, the latter a direct descendant of Governor Wentworth and a representa - tive of one of the most prominent families of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have one son, Richard Francis, who was born in New Haven, January 14, 1913.
Mr. and Mrs. Berry hold membership in Center church and his political faith is that of the republican party. He has membership with the University Club of Bridgeport, the University Club of Hartford and the New Haven Country and Graduates Clubs, of New Haven. He is also a member of the Theta Delta C'hi fraternity, while along strictly pro- fessional lines he has membership with the New Haven County Bar Association and the Connectieut Bar Association. He has ever been a close and discriminating student of those complex principles which enter into corporation law. His mind is naturally analytical, logical and deductive, and he has made for himself a most creditable position among the young corporation lawyers of the state.
CHARLES M. A. COSTELLO.
Charles M. A. Costello, vice president and treasurer of the firm of Cowles & Company of New Haven, is one of the self-made men of the city, for he started out in life empty- handed and from the beginning has been dependent upon his own resources. Whatever suc- cess he has achieved has come as the direct reward of his indefatigable energy and per- sisteney of purpose. He was born in New Haven, September 23, 1874, and was the fifth in order of birth in the family of eight children born to Michael and Sarah A. (Woods) Cos- tello. The father, a native of Ireland, came to New Haven in young manhood. His wife was born in Iowa but removed with her parents to Baltimore, Maryland, during her early girlhood, and there she was reared. educated and married. Mr. and Mrs. Costello then removed to New Haven and the former became a gardener for Caleb S. Maltby. He afterward took up the trade of a briek mason, which he had learned in early life, and continued to follow that pursuit until his death, which occurred in 1902. Ilis wife died in New Haven in 1904. Of their children five have passed away, the three surviving members of the family being: William F., who is living in New Haven; Katherine; and Charles M. A.
The last named devoted his attention in his youthful days to the acquirement of an edu- cation in St. John's parochial school and later he became a student in the Yale Business College. where he studied bookkeeping and physics under Professor Marble. In 1889 he entered the employ of Cowles & Company in a minor capacity and by elose application to his duties, by fidelity and indefatigable industry he has worked his way steadily upward and today oceupies the important position of vice president and treasurer. He had passed through various departments, thus gaining intimate and accurate knowledge of the busi- ness, so that in his position as one of the executive officers he is well able to direct the labors of those who serve under him.
In 1906 Mr. Costello was married to Miss Adele T. Hillman, of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Hillman. representatives of prominent and well known families. Mr. and Mrs. Costello have become parents of three children: Charles, born in New Haven in November. 1908: David, born in 1911; and Franees Elizabeth, in January, 1917.
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Politically Mr. Costello maintains an independent course. He belongs to the Automo- bile Club of New Haven and to the Society of Automobile Engineers. He is also identified with the Chamber of Commerce and is in thorough sympathy with its purposes to upbuild the city, to extend its trade relations and to uphold its civic standards. His business career shows him to be a forceful and resourceful man, one who has readily recognized and utilized opportunities and who at all times has been actuated hy a commendable desire to advance. He has thus made for himself a substantial place in the business circles of his native city.
JOSEPH LESSER.
Commercial enterprise finds marked expression in the life record of Joseph Lesser, who is the proprietor of the Outlet Clothing Company of New Haven and of Bridgeport. He was born in Russia, January 22, 1884, a son of Morris and Sarah Lesser, both of whom are living in New York city. The family crossed the Atlantic in 1885, making their way to New York city, and in the metropolis Joseph Lesser was reared and educated, attending the public schools until he had passed through the grades and become a high school stu- dent. He began work as an office boy in a clothing factory and afterward secured the position of bookkeeper, thus steadily working his way upward. Later, when twenty-one years old, he established a factory for the manufacture of trousers and successfully con- tinued in that business for six years. In 1911 he took over the Outlet Clothing Com- pany, with stores in New Haven and in Bridgeport, and has since conducted both. They are thoroughly modern in appointment and equipment and the business bas more than trebled under his management. In New Haven he employed two clerks at the outset but today has five salespeople in this store, a fact which indicates something of the rapid and substantial growth of his trade. He possesses to a marked degree that quality which for want of a hetter term has been called commercial sense. His judgment is keen and his sagacity has enabled him to readily discriminate between the essential and the non-essen- tial in all matters relating to the trade.
On the 16th of May, 1915, Mr. Lesser was united in marriage to Miss Frances Tunis, of Brooklyn, New York, and they have one child, J. Bernard, born March 6, 1916. Mr. Lesser is a Mason and loyally adheres to the teachings of the craft. He belongs to the George Street synagogue and he also has membership with the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith and the Independent Order of B'nai Abraham. He has displayed a ready adapt- ability, guided by a commendable ambition that has brought him steadily forward from a humble position to one of considerable importance in commercial eireles.
WILLIAM JOHN LUBY.
William John Luby, well known as a prominent and successful monument builder of Meriden, was born December 28, 1879. in the city where he still resides, his parents being Maurice and Ellen (Ryan) Luby. The father was for more than twenty years prominently connected with the monument business and won high and well merited reputation as a . designer of monuments.
After attending the public and high schools of Meriden. William J. Luby became a student in the Pequot Business College of Meriden, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. He became the active assistant of his father in the stone and monument works and thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business, doing everything to be done in connection therewith, including the cutting and setting up of monuments. Following his father's demise he purchased the business from the estate and has since conducted his interests with growing snecess. His talent for designing beautiful monuments has spread his fame abroad and many specimens of art modeled at his works have been shipped to various sections of the country. While his business is largely confined to Con- necticut, he has received orders from North Carolina and Florida and all near-by states. He carries the largest stock of monuments and stones in Connecticut. He was the de-
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signer and builder of the Clara Barton monument, the Governor Chamberlain monument at Meriden and the Atwater Memorial monument at Terryville. He also built the steps of St. Rose's Roman Catholic church, the walls of the Curtis home at Meriden and the steps for St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church.
On the 13th of October, 1909, Mr. Luby was united in marriage to Miss Nellie T. O'Donnell and they have become parents of three children, William, Robert and James. Mr. and Mrs. Luby hold membership in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and he is identified also with the Knights of Columbus and with the United Workmen, of which he has been a member for ten years. He also belongs to the Young Men's T. A. B. Society, to the Elks lodge and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was one of the orig. inal members of the chamber of commerce and was a director of the old organization, while at the present time he is serving as vice president of the chamber of commerce. He served on the board of public works during the administration of Mayor Reilly and he is a public-spirited citizen who cooperates in all well defined plans and movements for the general good. He was captain of the winning team in the Red Cross work and he ia actuated at all times by a spirit of the utmost devotion to city, commonwealth and country. As a business man he is alert and energetic, ready for any emergency, and the same qualities have characterized his efforts in behalf of the general welfare.
THOMAS PATRICK MURDOCK, M. D.
Dr. Thomas Patrick Murdock, a well known physician of Meriden, who ia filling the position of police surgeon, was born in Meriden, March 6, 1888, a aon of Patrick and Bridget Murdock, who came from Ireland to Connecticut about forty-five years ago.
Dr. Murdock was a pupil in the public schools of Meriden and attended the high school from 1902 until 1906. He worked through the succeeding summer and in the fall of that year entered the University of Maryland, in which he pursued his professional course, winning the M. D. degree upon graduation with the class of 1910. He put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test by serving in St. Francis' Hospital at Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained until 1911, when he opened an office in Meriden and has since followed hia profession, being accorded a liberal and well deserved practice. He was appointed police surgeon in 1912 and is still occupying that position.
On the 23d of June, 1914, Dr. Murdock was united in marriage to Miss Alice Rose Keating, of Meriden, and they have one child, Francis Patrick, born May 10, 1915.
Dr. and Mrs. Murdock are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Young Men's Temperance & Benevolent Club, the Amaranth Club, the Hibernian Society and the John Dillon Club. He has been commissioned firat lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United States army. He has many qualities which have rendered him personally popular, being a genial, cordial gentleman of marked per- sonal worth, while in hia profession he has gained a prominence which many an older prac- titioner might well envy.
JACOB APPELL.
Jacob Appell, a ladies' tailor and designer of ladies' garments, conducting a success- ful and profitable business in New Haven, was born in Poland, Russia, May 20, 1875, a son of Abraham and Martha (Ginsberg) Appell, who spent their entire lives in Russia. where the father was a merchant. He passed away in that country but the mother is still living. In their family were four children: Louis, now a resident of New York; Mrs. Martha Framkin, of New York; Mrs. Sarah Zeblowith, of Russia; and Jacob of this review, who is the eldest of the family.
In his boyhood days Jacob Appell attended the schools of Russia. after which he served an apprenticeship to the ladies' tailoring and dress designing business. He had ex-
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perience with several of the leading designers and dressmakers of Europe and was employed continuously along that line until 1896, when he determined to try his fortune in Amer- ica and crossed the Atlantic to New York city. There he secured a position as a designer with the firm of Hickson & Company and remained as their head designer until August 22, 1911, when he was induced to come to New Haven for the William Hamilton Company to occupy a similar position with that firm. He has since remained in New Haven and after continuing with the William Hamilton Company for a year he established business on his own account, securing exclusive quarters on York street. He soon became New Haven's foremost designer of ladies' gowns and suits and he now bears the reputation of being one of the most expert in designing women's costumes in the New England states. In fact, he has many customers who come to him from New York and other cities and his trade is most exclusive, his patronage being drawn from the leading families of New Haven and this section of the country.
On the 25th of December, 1897, Mr. Appell was united in marriage to Miss Ida Carvitz, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Carvitz, of New York city. They have become parents of five children: Samuel, who was born in New York city in 1898 and was graduated from the New Haven high school; Celia, who was born in November, 1901, and is attending school in New Haven; Harry, born in 1903 and now a high school pupil in New Haven; Rose, who was born in New York in 1907; and Morris, who was born in New York in 1910. The younger children are now also in school.
Mr. Appell is a member of many Jewish clubs and charitable organizations. He is identified with Herat Lodge and also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has social qualities which render him popular with a large circle of friends, while in business circles he has won for himself a most creditable position. Efficiency has been his watch- word. and his study and experience have led to the development of his natural intuition and good taste as the years have passed, until he stands today as one of the foremost designers of ladies' clothing in New England.
PETER HENRY COX.
Peter Henry Cox, engaged in the motorcycle business at No. 508 State street, in New Haven, and well known in sporting circles throughout the country, having won the trophies at many a notable motorcycle race, was born in New Haven, May 6, 1883, a son of James and Elizabeth Cox. In their family were six children, namely: Thomas Henry. assistant town clerk; Mrs. Anna Shields; Mrs. Elizabeth Morris; Edward, a resident of Boston; Peter Henry; and Mrs. Margaret Daly.
After acquiring a public school education Peter Henry Cox began working for his father in the bicycle business in 1897 and was afterward employed by the Hendee Man- ufacturing Company for two years, learning the motorcycle business. He entered the factory and acquainted himself with the trade in every detail, gaining practical and valuable experience in the construction of motorcycles in every way. He also worked for the Hanford Rubber Company for one year and thus gained additional experience which has been of value to him in the conduct of his private interests. The business which he now owns was established by his father at No. 394 Grand avenue in New Haven in 1894. At that time it was a small bicycle and repair shop, but in 1899 the growth of the business made it necessary to secure larger quarters and a removal was made to No. 508 State street. Peter H. Cox took over the business in 1914 and now has a complete and modern plant. He is county agent for the Excelsior motorcycle and the Indian bicycle and also carries a full line of accessories. His business has reached extensive and gratifying propor- tions, founded upon close application and capable management.
Mr. Cox has long been well known as an amateur and professional racer and in fifteen entries has never been defeated on the famous Branford track. On one occasion he sustained a bad accident on Hills Grove track at Providence, Rhode Island. This was in 1907. At that time his life was despaired of but ultimately he recovered. For four years he engaged in all of the F. A. M. races and he has taken part in many other racing events all over the country.
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On the 16tb of May, 1905, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Margaret Haesche, of New Haven, and they have one child, Gertrude Elizabeth, born in 1907. The parents are mem- bers of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church and in polities Mr. Cox is an independent republican. While perhaps more widely known throughout the country because of his con- nection with notable sporting events, in New Haven he bears the reputation of being a most progressive and enterprising business man and is rapidly huilding up an establish- ment which is a valuable addition to the commercial interests of the city.
PATRICK H. McMAHON.
Among the successful business men of Meriden is Patrick II. McMahon, who is en- gaged in the flour, hay, grain and feed business. He was born in this city, February 26, 1865, a son of Morris and Ellen (O'Donnell) MeMahon, and in the acquirement of bis education attended the Northwest district school and St. Rose's parochial school. In order to meet his expenses in part he worked on farms during vacation periods and on Satur- days and after putting aside his textbooks he entered the employ of the Charles Parker Company, with which he remained for three years. He then purchased a small store and for a short time dealt in tea, butter and eggs and, disposing of that business, became the owner of a fish store known as the City Market. Subsequently he again became connected with the Charles Parker Company and learned the buffing trade, which he followed in that company's employ for thirteen years. At length he severed his connection with that concern to give his attention to the conduet of a livery business which he had purchased on West Main street. Three years later he became a member of the firm of Higgins & McMahon, horse dealers, and for eleven years engaged in that business. Since the 1st of January, 1913, however, he has conducted a business in hay, grain, feed and flour. His trade is so extensive that he requires the service of five employes and at times he has to hire extra help to be able to execute his orders. He manages his affairs well and his rule is "full value for money received."
Mr. MeMahon was married June 1, 1893, to Miss Alice Rogers, who was born in Waterbury. Connectiont, but at the time of her marriage was a resident of Springfield, Massachusetts. To this union has been born a son, Walter Henry, whose birth occurred August 17, 1905.
Mr. McMahon is independent in polities, preferring to follow the dietates of his judg- ment rather than to vote a party ticket blindly. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. Although he began his career with no capital other than his industry and determination to succeed, he has gained a competence, his business returning to him a gratifying annual income.
HARRY SLEPCOW.
Harry Slepcow, president and treasurer of the company conducting business under the name of Harry Slepeow. Ine., is engaged in the manufacture of harness and all kinds of leather goods and has developed a business of extensive proportions. He was born in Russia, October 3, 1877, and is a son of Solomon and Esther Slepeow. He attended school in Russia until he attained the age of twelve years and then went to work in a harness shop, where he was employed for two years. He broadened his experience by later serv- ing for a year as clerk in a hardware store and from each new experience and task he stored up knowledge that has proven of vahe to him in his later activities. For a year and a half he worked at the carpenter's trade and then, believing that he might have better business advantages in the new world, he made arrangements so he could try his fortune in the United States. Ile arrived in this country on the 4th of July, 1895, and in the same year came to New Haven, where he sought and secured employment in a shear shop. He next obtained a position in a harness shop and later in a carriage shop. All through this period he was broadening his acquaintance with and gaining more comprehensive
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and accurate knowledge of American business methods and conditions. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he next opened a small place on Olive street and later occu- pied two different locations on Congress street. In 1905 he came to his present location at No. 116 George street, where he has a well equipped manufacturing plant and engages in making everything in leather goods although he largely concentrates upon the manufacture of har- ness. He employs six men and finds a local market for his output. which is maintained at a high standard of workmanship.
On the 30th of May, 1896, Mr. Slepeow was married to Miss Sofia Fenstein, of New Haven, and they have become the parents of five children: Jennie, a graduate of the New Haven high school; Gertie and Esther, twins, who are attending high school; Pauline, also a high school pupil; and William, who is attending the public schools. The oldest daughter is the wife of Morris Kepperman, of New Haven.
Mr. Slepeow is identified with the socialist party. His attention and energies are largely concentrated upon his business affairs and the wise and careful direction of his interests has been the salient feature of his growing suceess. He has made steady progress in a business way since coming to the new world and there has never been any regret on his part that he severed home ties and sought a home in the United States.
EBER GEORGE FISHER.
Eber George Fisher, a most progressive agriculturist keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and seientific investigation concerning farm methods, is now living in Guil- ford and is concentrating his interest and attention upon the further development and culti- vation of his land. Ile was born in Bridgewater township, Williams county, Ohio, Septem- ber 19, 1864, a son of David and Amine (Frisbie) Fisher. The father was also a native of the same locality and there learned the trade of a joiner and carpenter, after which he worked at his trade in Bridgewater Center throughout his remaining days. His wife, also a native of Bridgewater township, Williams county, Ohio, was a school-teacher there in early life and she now makes her home with a daughter in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: Eber George; Walter, who operates the old Fisher homestead in Bridgewater township in Williams county, Ohio: and Della, the wife of Henry Pert, a resident farmer of Michigan, living near Grand Rapids.
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